#painting and decorating course melbourne

[studyatorange]

Melbourne is a vibrant and dynamic city, known for its high-quality education and diverse cultural experiences. For international students, studying carpentry in Melbourne offers numerous benefits, from top-notch training to excellent career opportunities. Orange College stands out as a premier institution for carpentry studies, providing a comprehensive education and supportive environment. In this blog, we’ll explore the key benefits of studying carpentry in Melbourne for international students.

1. High-Quality Education

Overview: Melbourne is home to some of the best educational institutions in Australia, offering world-class training and facilities.

Benefit: Studying at Orange College ensures you receive a top-tier education from experienced instructors, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in carpentry.

Highlight: Orange College’s Certificate III in Carpentry covers all essential aspects, from theoretical knowledge to hands-on practice, ensuring a well-rounded education.

2. Practical Experience and Modern Facilities

Overview: Carpentry is a hands-on trade that requires practical experience with tools and materials.

Benefit: Orange College provides state-of-the-art workshops and facilities, allowing you to gain extensive practical experience and master various carpentry techniques.

Highlight: The college’s emphasis on practical training prepares you for real-world scenarios, making you job-ready upon graduation.

3. Strong Industry Connections

Overview: Melbourne’s thriving construction industry offers ample opportunities for networking and career growth.

Benefit: Orange College has established strong relationships with local businesses and industry professionals, facilitating internships, job placements, and networking events.

Highlight: These industry connections can significantly enhance your career prospects and help you build a professional network in Australia.

4. Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Environment

Overview: Melbourne is known for its multicultural population and welcoming environment.

Benefit: As an international student, you’ll experience a rich cultural diversity, making it easier to adapt and feel at home.

Highlight: Orange College fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel welcome and valued.

carpentry in Melbourne

5. Excellent Career Opportunities

Overview: The demand for skilled carpenters is high in Melbourne, driven by ongoing construction and renovation projects.

Benefit: Completing your carpentry studies at Orange College positions you well for various career opportunities, from residential and commercial carpentry to specialized fields like furniture making and restoration.

Highlight: The college’s career services and strong industry ties help you navigate the job market and secure rewarding positions in the field.

6. Pathways to Permanent Residency

Overview: Australia offers pathways for international students to apply for permanent residency after completing their studies.

Benefit: Studying carpentry in Melbourne can be a step towards building a long-term future in Australia.

Highlight Orange College guides visa options and pathways to residency, helping you achieve your career and life goals in Australia.

7. Quality of Life and Student Support

Overview: Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, offering a high quality of life.

Benefit: Enjoying a safe, vibrant, and student-friendly city enhances your overall study experience.

Highlight: Orange College offers comprehensive student support services, including academic assistance, counselling, and accommodation support, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.

Studying carpentry in Melbourne as an international student offers a wealth of benefits, from receiving high-quality education and practical experience to enjoying excellent career opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle. Orange College stands out as a leading institution, dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for its students.

Ready to embark on your carpentry journey in Melbourne? Apply to Orange International College today and take the first step towards a successful and rewarding career. Visit our website or contact our admissions team for more information.

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Why You Need To Pursue Painting And Decorating Trade Courses

Enrolling your name in the Painting and Decorating Trade Course Melbourne is one of the best decisions, you have ever made to shine in your future. It is quite hard for the building and land owners to hire professional painters and decorators to enhance the building look with their professional skills.

[peachinstitute]

Join us on a colorful journey with our Certificate III in Painting and Decorating course. Embrace creativity, learn the skills, and paint your future. Campuses in: - Brisbane (QLD) - Melbourne (VIC) . . Contact the Peach Institute to learn more! Apply for the monthly intake. Call us at 0498 803 426 Email: info@pi.edu.au Visit our website for more details

https://pi.edu.au/painting-and-construction/cpc30620-certificate-iii-in-painting-and-decorating/

[formbricks]

Face Bricks To Add Value As A Structural Style in Modern Architecture

Brick, of course, enhances the appearance of any building, but face bricks have uses beyond aesthetics. Face brick is a kind of brick that is used for structural as well as decorative, economical, and energy-efficient purposes. Face brick is frequently used in retail developments, multifamily complexes, fire pits, kitchen backsplashes, entry walls, gates, and buildings for educational purposes. For a customised look and feel, it comes in an assortment of colours, surfaces, and sizes.

Sturdy Defence with Insulating and Energy Savings

Brick cladding may drastically save energy use and consequently utility costs and carbon impact by functioning as a barrier against heat transmission. Melbourne's weather, renowned for having four distinct seasons in a single day, can be hard on the outside of buildings.

With its wide range of treatments and materials, wall cladding provides endless design options. Cladding may blend in perfectly with Melbourne's variety of architectural types, whether it has a slick metallic finish or a rustic timber appearance.

How Can Wall Cladding Be Maintained for a Prolonged Amount of Time?

The accumulation of dust and debris can detract from the cladding's look. To remove obstinate dirt, wipe the surface with a soft brush or cloth, and then wash it with a moderate detergent solution. Second, do a yearly damage inspection. Thirdly, to guard against dampness and UV radiation, think about painting or sealing some materials, such as wood, regularly.

Make sure your building has adequate drainage to avoid water collecting at the foundation of your cladding. You can keep your wall cladding looking good and functioning for a long time by using these techniques.

Natural Appearance Draws in Potential Purchasers

One benefit of adding external wall cladding to your Melbourne house is that it gives your rooms and spaces a more natural look. A variety of designs, from grey rocks to sandstone effects, may be put on the wall to obtain this natural look.

People have to make sure that their homes are as desirable as possible when they are trying to sell or move. While there are a few tried-and-true methods for doing this, wall stone cladding for Melbourne homes is an important consideration. The sophisticated finish of the cladding would grab notice right away and convince prospective buyers to acquire the Melbourne house.

Source

[murphyrendering]

Venetian Plastering in Melbourne

Venetian Plastering is a decorative technique that gives a stunning look to walls. It is available in many different colours and can enhance any room. Venetian Plastering Melbourne is quite popular for its own traits.

Traditional plaster is made of slaked lime and marble dust, mixed with animal glues or casein and then coloured with natural pigments. Waxes and oils can be added to give a variety of textures and sheens.

Cost

Traditional Venetian plaster or “Marmorino” is a pigmented lime plaster mixed with marble dust that can give walls an incredibly polished and textured finish. The result can be breathtakingly beautiful and offer a deep sheen that resembles real marble itself.

It is resistant to environmental humidity, impermeable to water if sealed and will actually self-heal cracks over time. While it may be more expensive than other wall finishes such as stucco concrete or microcement, it is also much more durable.

There are many factors that determine the price of a Venetian plaster application, including square metres of wall or ceiling that need to be coated, the applicator’s labour rates, travel costs and any other additional expenses. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to book a site visit with your chosen professional. During this time they can measure the area and provide you with a detailed quote for the work. The price will include all materials, labour and cleaning.

Applicators

Typically, the applicators who apply Venetian plaster are highly trained and experienced. They understand the different products and can advise which finishes work best for your home or project. They can also explain what base coats are required and which waxes and sealers should be used.

The finish on a Venetian Plaster wall can have an impressive, glossy shine. The polishing process combines heat and pressure to give it a deep, crystalline beauty. Its lustrous appearance can enhance any room. It’s often used in areas that are difficult to carve from marble, such as columns or curves.

Venetian plaster isn’t suitable for all projects, though. Because it is not very flexible, it may not be the right choice for areas where walls and ceilings must flex. For these applications, something like microcement would be more appropriate. It’s also expensive, but it’s worth the investment for the unique look that it adds to a space.

Materials

Venetian plasters are available in a wide range of finishes, with varying textures and depth. They are suitable for interior walls, including wet areas like bathrooms. The lime content naturally repels mildew, making the plaster easy to clean and maintain.

The traditional makeup of Venetian Plaster consists of little more than lime slake and water, with aggregates added as needed to create the desired look. Marble dust is commonly used to achieve a polished finish, while river sand is often used to create a more earthy appearance.

Before applying the Venetian plaster, the surface should be primed with an acrylic Quartz primer. This primer contains fine Quartz aggregate and has a texture that is similar to 220 grit sandpaper.

The Venetian plaster can then be sanded, burnished and waxed to enhance the visual depth and subtle textures. Waxing also protects the plaster and allows it to be buffed to a glass-like shine. Our advanced training course is primarily aimed at plasterers, decorators and designers who already have experience working with trowels and blades, and want to add artistic polished plaster to their repertoire of skills.

Installation

Venetian plaster can be used on walls to add a rich texture that has movement and depth. It also looks much more beautiful than paint, especially when it’s burnished to a shine. But it can be a challenge for homeowners who want to do it themselves.

Taking a course can help them learn the basics of working with plaster. They can also learn how to prepare a room for plastering. For example, it’s important to lay down tarps to protect the molding and other surfaces that aren’t being plastered. They should also use masking tape to avoid getting plaster on their skin or breathing in the dust.

While it’s not as simple as painting, learning the technique can save homeowners time and money. They can even save on hiring a professional. This is an attractive option for anyone looking to add a luxurious look to their home. It’s also naturally anti-bacterial and mildew resistant, making it a great choice for bathrooms.

[essentialcateringvd]

13 Creative Ideas for Your Next Catering Event

Organising and hosting a catering event can be an exciting, yet overwhelming challenge. It's important to create an atmosphere that is both inviting and enjoyable for everyone in attendance. To make sure your next catering Melbourne event stands out from the rest, here are thirteen creative ideas you can use to make it truly memorable.

Create a Signature Cocktail

Get your guests talking by creating a signature cocktail for your event. Choose something unique or special that reflects the theme of the night, such as a tropical rum punch or vodka martini with herbs from your garden.

Play Fun Music

Music will help set the tone for the evening and keep people entertained during meals or other downtime periods throughout the night. Ask a friend to curate a playlist or hire a DJ for the night—just be sure to avoid overplaying any particular genre.

Incorporate Unique Decorations

Utilise decorations that tie in with your themes, such as hand-painted signs, paper lanterns, streamers, and twinkle lights. Make sure you have enough decorations to fully dress up the venue and create an inviting atmosphere.

Select Creative Table Settings

Choose unique tableware and linens that will make your guests feel special. Consider using colourful plates, patterned napkins, or even edible flowers as part of the decor.

Offer Interactive Experiences

Give people something to do while they wait for their food. Set up trivia games, and a karaoke station, or hand out professional-grade cameras and disposable film so guests can capture the night's memories.

Serve Creative Dishes

Create a menu of inventive dishes made with fresh ingredients that will impress your guests. Try preparing smaller portions of several dishes rather than one large main course to ensure everyone can try something new.

Provide Customised Favours

Give your attendees a lasting reminder of the night with customised gifts such as monogrammed mugs, magnets featuring your event logo, scented candles, or small potted plants.

Utilise Technology

Use technology to make the evening more entertaining and engaging for your guests. Incorporate video elements into your decor, create a custom hashtag for the event or have a photo booth to capture memories from the night.

Provide Interactive Desserts

Put together an interactive dessert station where guests can build their treats such as ice cream sundaes or s'mores.

Offer Global Cuisine

Try serving dishes inspired by different cultures and cuisines around the world. This is a great way to introduce attendees to new flavours they may not have tried before.

Utilise Seasonal Foods

Take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables to add freshness and flavour to your menu items, while also helping to maintain cost efficiency.

Make It Personalised

Incorporate elements that reflect the guest of honour's personality into the decor, food, and activities. This will make them feel special and appreciated on their big day.

Get Creative with Seating

Instead of traditional seating arrangements, try mixing up your tables to create a more relaxed atmosphere and encourage conversation between guests who may not know each other very well. You could also set up lounge areas for people to mingle in or provide low tables with cushions for a cosy atmosphere.

No matter what ideas you choose to incorporate into your next event, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully planned can help ensure that it will be remembered by everyone for years to come. With a little bit of creativity and attention to detail, you’re sure to put together an unforgettable evening for your guests.

[gordoncoating]

How To Choose The Best Paint Color For Home Interior?

Many people are unable to choose the ideal painting color for their homes because they lack of knowledge. How to choose best paint colors for your home interior to make it look modern and opulent is explained here.

You’ve made structural repairs to your home while keeping the unique architectural characteristics of each room. However, something still needs to be added. That something is probably color, the renovator’s hidden weapon.

Did you know that crown moulding can make the ceiling appear higher or lower depending on how it contrasts with the walls? Or the fact that creative use of colour may transform one space into a lively meeting spot and another into a tranquil area for reading in peace?

Colour is utilised to help define interiors and provide focal points in largely featureless rooms in today’s open-plan houses, where the living room, dining room and kitchen are frequently one enormous space. Of course, deciding which paint colours to use and where to place them is challenging.

Let’s simplify the procedure to choose the best paint colour for the home interior.

Tip 1: Choose Your Furniture And Decor Before Deciding On The Colours Of Your Interior Walls.

It’s normal to want to finish the significant tasks first, but it’s crucial to consider which approach would be simple and produce the best outcomes. It is simpler to start by setting up the furniture and accessories first, then picking the appropriate wall colours.

Tip 2: Look At The Top Interior Wall Paint Colours And Styles.

What are the hottest wall paint colours? What colour combinations will look best in my home? These are some of the fundamental queries you must ask yourself. Always do some research before starting the process. To gain a general sense, read about the numerous paint colour selections that are now popular.

Tip 3: Maintain A Neutral And Balanced Colour Scheme For The Walls.

Recognise where you want a room’s focal point to be. Choose solid and brilliant colours for the walls to draw the most attention. Choose soft, neutral colours with simple designs if you want the room’s decor to be the focus of attention.

Wrapping It Up!

Contact Gordon Coating for more information. Our professional painters in Melbourne know how to change your old and dull-looking property into a luxurious and modern setting with high-quality painting services in Melbourne.

[studyatorange]

Melbourne is an attractive destination for international students seeking a career in carpentry. With its high-quality education system, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent career opportunities, Melbourne offers aspiring carpenters a comprehensive and enriching experience. Orange College stands out as a top choice for carpentry education. This guide will help you plan your carpentry education in Melbourne, providing essential tips and insights.

1. Understanding the Benefits of Studying in Melbourne

Overview: Melbourne is renowned for its educational excellence and quality of life.

Benefit: The city offers world-class training, cultural diversity, and a supportive community for international students.

Highlight: Orange College provides a high-quality carpentry program to meet industry standards and prepare you for a successful career.

2. Choosing the Right Carpentry Course

Overview: Selecting the appropriate carpentry course is crucial for your career development.

Benefit: A well-structured course equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field.

Action: Explore Certificate III in Carpentry at Orange College, which combines theoretical knowledge with practical training, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

3. Meeting Entry Requirements

Overview: Each course has specific entry requirements that you need to meet.

Benefit: Fulfilling these requirements ensures your eligibility and readiness for the program.

Action: Check the entry requirements for the carpentry course at Orange College, which typically include a high school diploma and proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent).

4. Preparing Your Application

Overview: A complete and well-prepared application increases your chances of acceptance.

Benefit: Submitting all necessary documents accurately and on time demonstrates your commitment and readiness.

Action: Gather academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, identification, and any other required documents. Complete the online application form for Orange College and submit all materials before the deadline.

5. Securing Your Student Visa

Overview: International students need a student visa to study in Australia.

Benefit: A student visa allows you to live and study in Melbourne legally.

Action: Apply for a student visa through the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Orange College provides the necessary documentation and guidance to support your visa application.

6. Arranging Accommodation

Overview: Decide on your living arrangements before arriving in Melbourne.

Benefit: Securing accommodation in advance ensures a smooth transition to your new life.

Action: Explore accommodation options offered by Orange College, including on-campus housing and recommendations for off-campus rentals. Consider factors like proximity to the college, cost, and amenities.

7. Planning Your Finances

Overview: Budgeting and financial planning are essential for a stress-free study experience.

Benefit: Proper financial planning helps you manage living expenses, tuition fees, and other costs.

Action: Create a budget that includes tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities. Look into scholarships and financial aid options available through Orange College.

8. Embracing the Student Experience

Overview: Engage in campus life and take advantage of student support services.

Benefit: Active participation in campus activities enhances your educational experience and personal growth.

Action: Join student clubs, participate in events, and utilize support services at Orange College, such as academic assistance, counselling, and career guidance.

9. Maximizing Practical Training Opportunities

Overview: Hands-on training is crucial in carpentry education.

Benefit: Practical experience prepares you for real-world challenges and enhances your employability.

Action: Make the most of the state-of-the-art facilities and workshops at Orange College. Engage fully in practical sessions and seek opportunities for internships or work placements.

10. Building a Professional Network

Overview: Networking is vital for career advancement.

Benefit: Building connections within the industry can open doors to job opportunities and mentorship.

Action: Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars facilitated by Orange College. Connect with instructors, peers, and industry professionals to expand your network.

Planning your carpentry education in Melbourne involves several key steps, from choosing the right course and meeting entry requirements to securing a visa and embracing the student experience. Orange College offers a supportive and comprehensive environment to help you succeed in your carpentry journey.

Ready to plan your carpentry education in Melbourne? Apply to Orange College today and take the first step towards a rewarding career. Visit our website or contact our admissions team for more information and guidance.

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https://naijamatta.com/read-blog/2868_how-painting-and-decorating-trade-course-develops-skill.html

How Painting And Decorating Trade Course Develops Skill?

Joining the painting and decorating trade course Melbourne helps in engaging with experts in these fields with webinars. It helps you get many new introductions and to know more deeply about this industry.

[hbkconstructions]

4 Ways To Make Your Living Room Appear Bigger

Having happy customers is our top priority for us here at HBK Constructions. We enjoy helping you and your family get the look for your home that you want. There is nothing we can’t handle. We have been family owned and operated for years. Our team looks forward to meeting you and your family. We are excited to start working with you.

Adding A Mirror To Your Living Room 

By adding a mirror to your living room, you give the sense of openness to the room. This can also help by adding light to the room. The mirror will show the light from outside and really brighten the place up. Mirrors and light-colored walls will really make the space pop as well. 

Having mirrors on the walls will play tricks on your eyes, which will make the area feel bigger than it is. This is what you want! Anything that can make a small space seem bigger. You can put mirrors on one wall or on multiple. 

What Color To Paint 

Did you know that using dark paint colors in a small space can make it feel even smaller? When you want to make your living area seem bigger, try using white paint. The white paint will make the place feel light and airy. It even makes your ceilings feel higher than they actually are.

You can always add wood accents or textured elements to your room to give it a less cold feeling. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a bright white, just stay away from the darker colors. Painting the ceiling and walls the same color helps open the space as well, giving it that cloud effect. 

Keep Things Simple

It is important to keep things simple and uncluttered when trying to make your living space seem bigger than it is. The more you add to a room, the smaller it is going to feel. There is no reason to go over the top with decorating. Have you ever heard; less is more? That is definitely the case with smaller rooms. 

Be very intentional with what you are putting in your living room. If you want to put a huge beautiful piece of art on the wall, have it be the only piece in the room. You will want to avoid busy patterns on the wall as well. If you must use busy patterns, make it on one wall as an accent wall. Of course, as much as you can avoid busy patterns and dark colors the better. 

Rugs and Drapes

As much as you will want to put rugs down on the floor and drapes on the windows, if possible, avoid doing so. It’s all about playing tricks on the eyes, just like with mirrors. If you need a rug, make it a very simple one. Don’t cover the entire floor with it. 

When choosing whether or not to put drapes up, think about these things. If you are looking at drapes for privacy, try lightweight mesh or cloth blinds. You could also consider shutters. If drapes are a must, make sure to use a bar that extends past the window frame. This will help with exposing the full window, therefore allowing lighter in.  

Give Us A Call Today

HBK Constructions is proud to serve the great people of Melbourne and surrounding areas. Give us a call today so we can get a team member out to give you a free estimate. Helping you get the look you want is important to us. We look forward to meeting and helping you and your family.

If you are in Doveton, Victoria 3177, and looking for a home extension or kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling service in Melbourne, this is the best way to visit us.

Contact Us

HBK Constructions – Home, Bathroom & Kitchen Renovations Melbourne

50 Fitzgerald Road,

Hallam VIC 3803

(03) 7038 3595

www.hbkconstructions.com.au

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[novainstitute1]

Baking Course Adelaide

With the help of the Nova Institute of Technology's baking course Adelaide, you may learn the methods and abilities of both commercial and retail baking. All facets of savory and sweet baking are covered in our baking classes.

[thecentreofexcellence-blog]

Career pathways in Painting and Decorating course.

Enrol Now! 

[matildashoney]

Loving You’s the Antidote: Chapter Six

MASTERLIST

MOODBOARD // PREV/IEW(S) // TAG LIST // TAGS // PLAYLIST

TAG LIST: @ihearthemcallingforyou​​, @cock-a-doodely-doo

WARNING: CHAPTER INCLUDES SEXUAL CONTENT.

talk to me about it! feedback is greatly appreciated!

Sunday Dinner.

One day a week that was designated for the family to gather around – especially now that two out of three of the children have left the nest – and have a nice, home-cooked dinner and dessert and a film that everyone has seen one too many times.

Mom and Dad’s house never changed. Always the same tinted beige on the siding, a gentle baby blue shutter outside every window, the colourful florals filling the boxes on the top floor. Dad wanted the Southern Charm. Mom wanted a taste of Paris. They settled on something near California twang. On the interior, Mom made home. All of the walls decorated with family portraits and your paintings and the photographs that Grandma gave her on her very last visit. All of it – the cracks in the wood, the chips in the paint, crooked frames – was home.

Dad and Brandon are in the living room, Mom outside tending to the garden of vegetables that would begin blooming in the near future, Phoebe in her bedroom talking about something One Direction-related obnoxiously.

Hiding Harry – and the relationship she has with him – away from Phoebe might be the hardest part.

“Hello, hello,” Mom quips as Amelie walks inside, toeing her shoes at the carpet and laying her bag on the makeshift table, the golden trotting to her side to greet her. “Dad’s in the living room with B. Phoebe is upstairs. Have everything almost done!”

Mom is clad in her favourite Sunday Outfit – the necessarily painted jeans, a white blouse, and her favourite slippers that she purchases from a tiny shop in the outskirts of Paris every time she visits home. Her hair is greying ginger, and although she loves it, she refuses to colour it. Makes me feel wise, sweetheart.

“Mama,” Amelie says hesitantly, kissing her cheek, sitting on the chipping barstools – her idea was that every year her children would repaint their barstool, and eventually all the paint would become an eclectic memory – and taking a sliver of the tomato chopped on the cutting board, “j'ai besoin de votre aide pour quelque chose.”

Mama, I need your help with something.

Mom sets the knife down, her palms flat on the counter, her light green eyes staring into her daughter’s. “Qu'est-ce qui ne va pas?”

“Know how I told you that I started seeing someone,” Amelie begins, her heart pounding in her chest, her cheeks flushed with her anxiety and the anticipation. “He’s in Melbourne, right now. He’ll be there for Valentine’s Day.”

“Okay,” Mom urges, her attention moving to the exaggerated shouting in the living room from her husband and eldest.

“I,” she stutters, her palms sweaty and sticking to her jeans, her tongue wetting her chapped lips, “I think I want to go see him.”

“Chéri,” Mom coos, walking around the counter and settling on the stool nearest to her, taking her hands in hers and drawing circles with her thumbs, “qui est ce garçon?”

“His name is Harry,” she murmurs, laying her phone on the counter and showing her their favourite picture from his birthday a week earlier. “He’s on tour.”

Mom’s eyes are wide, fully aware of who Harry is. Her mouth is slightly agape, her hand covering her parted lips as she stares at the picture – Harry kissing Amelie’s cheek, his arms wrapped around her waist, her hands covering her eyes. Her cheeks shade a light pink, her sigh sounding in a tone of awe.

“That’s the Harry from Phoebe’s band, yeah? One Direction,” Mom says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, ensuring that her youngest wouldn’t hear and interrupt the conversation. “Comment as-tu réussi ce coup, mon amour?”

“No idea, Mama,” she sighs, a smile tugging at her lips as his contact swipes across the screen with a message. “He’s so good to me.”

Good morning, doll. Have fun at family dinner. Call me when you’re home. x

“You love Harry,” Mom smiles, kissing her hair sweetly, standing from the crooked stool and reaching for her laptop, opening the screen and gathering all the information for a flight. “Nona did this for me, especially when Dad flew to North Carolina for that film. Great Grandma did that Nona when she wanted to take the train to Papa in Paris for the weekend.”

“Didn’t know that Nona took a train to Paris for Papa,” Amelie murmurs, typing in the information for the airport that Glenne had given her the day before. “You flew to North Carolina for Dad.”

“Il faut savoir ce que tu veux et aller le chercher, chérie.” Mom pokes her head into the living room, Dad grinning ear to ear to see her, Brandon waving towards her as Daisy nudges at his hand to pet her. “En utilisant la carte de crédit, mon amour.”

“Okay,” Dad hums, standing to give her a kiss. “Guessing by how quiet you are, I shouldn’t say anything to Phoebe or B.”

“Our secret,” Mom smirks, kissing his cheek sweetly. “Doing what Mama asked us to do like they did for us. Giving her a chance.”

“Good.” Dad squeezes her into a hug, Mom melting into him. “Hi, honeybee.”

“Hi, Dad.”

“Oh mon Dieu,” Mom squeaks, rushing to the stove and quieting the heat, ensuring that the meal wouldn’t burn. “All the time.”

“J'ai failli brûler sa cuisine la semaine dernière,” she giggles, shaking your head at the memory. “Not fully burnt down, but I definitely burnt our chicken and ordered us pizza, instead.”

“Happens to the best, and worst, of us.”

“No longer allowed in his kitchen unless I’m supervised,” she laughs, her attention turning to the doorway where her youngest sister stood with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. “Oh, what’s wrong, Pheebs? You look like someone told you a concert got cancelled.”

“Have a show on Valentine’s Day and Cassie was supposed to livestream and apparently the internet in the arena is being worked on,” Phoebe sighs, hugging her momentarily and settling onto the stool beside her, her eyes squinting suspiciously as she closes her phone and lays it beneath her thigh. “Cancelled going to a party so I could watch with Cass.”

“Can’t you still go to the party? Not like you were uninvited,” she reasons, her heart beginning to beat heavily in her chest with anxiety.

Does Phoebe know already?

“Guess so,” she sighs frustratedly, shaking her head and heaving a breath with annoyance. “I’ll probably stay home and wait for updates, anyways.”

Mom’s eyes meet hers, Have you told her?

Of course not, she mouths, forcing a smile as her younger sister takes the cutlery and sets it along the table.

“God, you’ve gotten weirder since you turned twenty.”

Have to tell her soon, Mom whispers, kissing Phoebe’s hair as she takes the decorated plates and begins laying each on their designated mat – the ones that we painted every year that we needed a new change in the kitchen aura – to accompany the meal.

Know that and I will, she swears, her eyes meeting her younger sister and opening her arms for a hug, smiling as she stalks towards her with a pout on her lips. “I’m sure someone will livestream the show, Pheebs.”

“I’m just annoyed,” she grumbles, leaning her cheek on her sister’s shoulder and having her arms hang loosely around her torso. “Can I be an adult already and get to travel to see all of my favourite shows whenever I want, already?”

“Don’t think that’s how it works,” Amelie hums, stifling her laughter against her hand, her lips tucking into her mouth to mask your smile.

“Harry would probably pay for his girlfriend’s flight to visit him. Niall, too,” she groans. “That is such an unfair thing. There is someone out there that gets to love Harry Styles.”

Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.

“Enough with the impending doom until after supper, Phoebe,” Mom muses, shaking her head and walking into the living room to tell Dad and B. Her wink towards her telling her that she could see the anxiety on her face, encouraging her to relax.

Having – more or less – hippies as a mother and father, Family Dinner is certainly something other than functional and orderly.

Mom talks about the novel she sent to the editor earlier in the week, one more approval needed to finalise one section of the publication contract. Dad mentions in passing that he has to be at a film set early in the morning for the promotional campaign shoot. Heads turn as Brandon brings up asking Autumn – his girlfriend since the age of thirteen – to marry him. Phoebe complains about not seeing Harry and Niall as soon as she wanted. Congratulations ensued as Amelie mentions that the mural at the bakery is complete and perfected.

I’ll take you to the airport, Mom whispers as Amelie hugs her goodbye. Her petite body wraps tightly around hers, squeezing her tightly. You should tell Phoebe before someone else tells her.

Calling Harry on her way home, her mind is racing with all that her mother said, all that her sister said, all that she has to be done before she leaves in a mere three days.

Harry talks quietly in the background as she readies herself for the night, her hair strung in a towel and one of the band’s tour shirts clinging to her damp skin, her lips coated with her – and his – favourite chapstick. He mentions the flowers that are outside his hotel, how the season is so much brighter than London. He asks about Mom and Dad, Phoebe and Brandon. One day I’ll bring you out here, Harry says.

All that replays in her mind is her mother’s words, and the flight confirmation sitting in her email.

Have to know what you want and get it, honey.

/ / /

“Welcome to Melbourne,” the flight attendant announces on the speaker, the lights slowly beginning to brighten and wake the sleeping guests scattered about the plane. Amelie’s carry on is tucked in the overhead bin, an older gentleman offering to get it for her as she struggled to reach.

If Harry was here, he’d be making fun of you for being too short.

Amelie sinks into Harry’s sweatshirt, smirking at the fact that her father would be seething with her wearing a Greenbay Packers anything. Her fingers quickly type on the screen, Harry’s name with an accompanying picture at the centre.

Need your hotel and room number, please and thank you. Don’t ask questions.

Harry takes a minute to respond and Amelie can see the expression on his face, the furrowed eyebrows and squinted eyes, his bottom lip pulled between his fingertips.

The Langham, Room 702. I’m about to get in the shower. Should I stay out a bit longer?

Her mouth curves into a smile as she notices a bouquet selection near the exit. Her attention immediately goes to the sunflowers and daisies in the corner, paying and quickly making her way outside to meet the security guard that Niall arranged with her.

Give it like twenty minutes.

His response comes immediately, the suspicion evident in his text. He doesn’t question her, simply responding and taking a seat on the unmade bed. He shuts the water in the shower, heaving a breath and sinking into the mattress, trying to think through everything.

Alright.

Laying there is unbearable, Harry standing up and beginning to pace around his bedroom nervously. He can’t quite grasp the idea of her coming to Melbourne. That would be simply impossible with university and the artwork projects and family dinners.

That would be impossible, wouldn’t it?

Although unlikely, twenty minutes felt like hours. Harry wasn’t a patient person. He became bored easily and the idea of having to wait for something his girlfriend was surprising him with, and being without a single idea, gave him a headache.

His ears perk to the knocking on his suite door, quiet chatter outside, his feet padding against the carpet and his hands yanking a stray shirt over his naked torso. His chest deflates at the sight of Niall holding a bouquet of sunflowers and daisies – certainly from her.

“How–”

“Quite the selection they have at the airport,” Amelie squeaks, laying her miniature knapsack against the wall and smiling, her arms wrapping around his shoulders as his arms circle her waist, squeezing her into him as tightly as physically possible. “Harry, I can’t breathe.”

“Bye, you two,” Niall smirks, handing Harry the bouquet and turning to return to his suite.

Harry chuckles, releasing his grip on her slightly, taking the bouquet from his friend and nudging her bag inside with his foot, his arm continuing to stay wrapped around her and hugging her to his chest. “Sorry, I’ve just missed you.”

“Missed you, too,” she whispers, closing the door behind her, his cheeks taken in her hands, her lips moulding to his and soaking in his kiss, the bouquet set on the nearby table, his fingertips gripping her hips. “Glad you didn’t shower and leave me out there.”

“Would never do that to you,” he smirks, his thumbs tracing her bottom lip, stealing a kiss innocently. “Can’t believe you’re here.”

“One very long flight later,” she smirks, kissing his cheek and jaw sweetly, her arms squeezing him tighter in her embrace. “Good thing I sleep on planes.”

“Forty fucking hours, love,” Harry whispers, gently nudging her cheek, his mouth moulding onto hers and savouring the way she kisses him.

Amelie smiles against his lips, obsessed with the way his reaction made her heart swell against her chest and heat radiate on her skin. “Considering I can wake up with you on Valentine’s Day, it’ll be worth it.”

“Tell me you didn’t bring that knapsack and that’s it.”

“Had to check into m’room and shower, first,” she says, lightly tugging on the curls and kissing the vein in his neck, smiling at his moan as her lips touch the centre and nip at his skin. “All of m’stuff is there.”

“You’re not staying in another room,” Harry breathes shakily, his hands travelling across her hips and squeezing her bum. “You’ll stay with your boyfriend.”

“Know that but I needed to get here without you finding out,” she smirks, a heavy breath leaving her lips as his mouth begins mapping kisses along her neck, biting into the skin and marking her, their bodies walking backwards into the bedroom, his hands gently nudging her against the wall.

“Must’ve cost loads,” Harry mutters, his lips sweetly kissing her jaw. “You’re not allowed to buy another plane ticket to see me. I’ll get it.”

“Can thank Mom for me being here,” Amelie sighs, adoring the feeling of his mouth on her, the way his fingertips dig into her hips, holding her tightly to him. “Bought m’flight and all that. Came from a whole story about women in m’family travelling for their men. Apparently, it’s a thing they do. Take chances on nice guys, and all that.”

“Oh,” Harry smirks cockily at that, his teeth dragging her bottom lip as he kisses her hungrily, the briefs beginning to feel all too tight against his cock and tensing thighs. “’m a nice guy to take a chance on, then?”

“Think so,” Amelie moans, her eyelashes laying against her cheeks, all her thoughts hyper-focused on Harry’s hands trailing beneath her – his – sweatshirt, his thumbs tracing over the curves of her breasts. “Can feel you trying to distract me about the flight.”

“Give up on paying for your next flight,” Harry says sternly, silently praising the way there wasn’t a lacy bralette to get in his way. “Quicker you do that, quicker you’ll have the best shag of your life on that unmade bed, over there.”

“Fine.”

“My sweatshirt, hm?” Harry smirks, gently taking the material and tossing it onto the carpet, the cotton leggings adoring her hips rubbing uncomfortably against his hips. Her lips suck at the skin on his collarbone, the skin bright red and adorning a temporary mark.

“You left it,” Amelie mutters against him. Her thighs tense at the feeling of his fingertips ghosting across the lace waistband of her panties, his thumbs tucked into the material and dragging it slightly. “Harry.”

“Did it on purpose.” Harry nudges Amelie against the mattress, her cheeks flushing as his eyes travel along her body, taking in every inch of her figure, the curves and the tattoos and the lines that make her. “Up,” he murmurs, smiling as she lifts her hips and her panties accompany the clothing on the ground.

Harry kisses her inner thighs sweetly, coaxing her to relax with his touch. He gently massages her hips, smiling against her skin as she breathes out an airy moan, her fingertips curling through his hair, his arms tucked under her bum to have her core meet his mouth. He lays his tongue against her heat, savouring the way she tastes so sweet, his lips suckling on her clit the way she loves.

Amelie’s moans spur him further, the moans vibrating against her making the orgasm overwhelm her senses. His fingertips tease her heat, gently inching into her and curling against the velvet walls that squeeze him, the sucking against the nerves between her thighs having her chase her orgasm with white vision and moans.

His tongue continues to lay on her heat, taking her orgasm and humming with the taste, his fingertips between his lips to have all of her. His smirk is enough to make her squeeze her thighs together, the way he is so happy to please her making her want to have him again and again and again. He sponges kisses along her inked thighs and belly, teasingly biting her nipples as his mouth works his way back to hers.

“Get on the bed,” Amelie tells him, her jaw clenched as Harry smirks and tosses the remaining clothes on his torso. “Don’t smirk at me like that.”

“Not doing anything,” Harry smirks, his cheeks tinging pink as Amelie manoeuvres around him and settles between his thighs. “Gon’a kill me looking at me like that.”

Her fingertips ghost across his thighs, her lips touching his skin, smirking against him as his hand gently takes her hair away from her face. Her tongue wets her skin, her hand gently wrapping around his cock, her thumb spreading the arousal around his shaft, his breathy moans echoing around her.

Amelie slowly eases over him, hollowing her cheeks and sucking, her tongue swirling around his throbbing tip the way he loves, her hand pumping all that she couldn’t take. Her fingertips squeeze his hip, his arousal and orgasm beginning to taste on her tongue.

“God, this is so much better than me trying to pretend it’s you,” Harry moans, his head rolling onto the pillow as her innocent eyes meet his.

“Oh, baby, you think about me,” Amelie hums, the vibrations making his hips ache and thrust into her mouth.

Harry groans as she takes all of him, his cock hitting her throat and her tongue taking his arousal. “Certainly, don’t think about m’hand.” His orgasm is reaching him quickly, his panting rapid and causing his chest to heave. “Need to be in you, doll.”

Amelie smirks, kissing the inked thigh and laying her lips across his heated skin. Harry squeezes her hips above his waist, making her pause, her breathing shaky as she realises what he’s implying. “Are you sure? Don’t wan’a hurt you.”

“Love, I promise you won’t,” Harry says shakily, moving beneath her and laying his back against the wooden headboard, his lip taken between his teeth as she gently settles on his thighs. “Go slow, I’ve got you.”

Amelie nods nervously, smiling shyly as Harry squeezes her thigh encouragingly. His hands hold her hips, coaxing her forward slightly, his cock hard and throbbing against her heat. He nudges her to lean onto her knees, his skin prickling with bumps as he gently eases into her, her warmth surrounding his shaft and squeezing him in her velvet walls.

Amelie intertwines her fingers with his, her pelvis rolling and grinding, his knees tucked behind her, his hips thrusting to meet her. Her mouth parts with her moans, the friction against the nerves between her thighs making her legs shake. Harry leans forward, his lips sponging kisses along her jaw, suckling a mark on her chest. His hands take her hips, smiling as her arms circle around his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin. His thrusts meet a rhythm with the way her hips beginning rotating, a heavy moan leaving his throat as she squeezes him, easing him out inch by inch.

“Want you deeper,” Amelie moans, meeting his mouth with a chaste kiss, his knees parting her thighs, his figure laying over hers.

Harry sinks into her, her warmth soaking him in, squeezing him tightly. He kisses her jaw, her thighs wrapped around his waist, his cock bottoming out and reaching her hit with every thrust. His orgasm is heating in his stomach, sweat sticking the curls to his forehead, her moans in his ear making him want to bust. Her thighs squeeze around his hips, holding him in her, her climax warm and milking around him. His orgasm spills inside her, his panting hot against her neck. His mouth breaks into a smile as her hands take his cheeks and her lips kiss his sweetly, her ankles slowly unlocking around his bum and laying lazily on the bed.

“Good, you’re so good,” Harry hums, gently sliding out and lying beside her. His arm slings over her waist, pulling her into his chest, his cheek laying against her shoulder. “Have you spoken to your mum since you got here?”

“Oh fuck,” Amelie swears, snagging her sweatshirt and tugging it over her torso, pulling her phone out and sending messages to her mother and best friend. “Done.”

“Care to leave the pants off for the evening,” Harry winks, laughing loudly as Amelie rolls her eyes at him. He takes his phone, smirking and beginning to type against his screen, hiding the phone away from her obnoxiously.

Laying her head on his chest, she presses a kiss to the butterfly adorning his abdomen, her cheek resting on her forearms. “What are you doing?”

“Making a list of all the places I want to shag you in.”

“God, you’re annoying.”

“That wasn’t telling me to quit.” Harry grabs her cheeks and kisses her, smirking at the way her lips perfectly adorn his at every angle. “Got to check off Aus, thank you for that.”

Amelie hides her face in her hands, trying to mask the smile that is etched into her features. Only a few weeks ago she was telling him that she couldn’t understand why he stared at her in such a way, and now she can feel herself doing the same. “Have any plans for Valentine’s Day, Mr Styles?”

“Considering m’girlfriend is here,” he hums, carding his fingers through her hair and delicately brushing the stray hairs away from her forehead, her fringe freshly cut and swaying beneath her eyebrows, her lips tinted red with the kisses. “Have a few thoughts in mind.”

“Dirty thoughts, I’m assuming.”

“Could be,” he drawls teasingly, his eyes narrowing at her as she pinches his hip. “Have a show on Valentine’s Day, so could we makeshift tomorrow to be our Valentine’s Day? Have breakfast and an early swim, avoid all the crowds. Only us.” His eyes brighten with her smile. Harry loves seeing Amelie happy. “Can plan something special for dinner, later on.”

“Good thing I brought something nice to wear," Amelie smiles, heaving a sigh as she straddles Harry’s thighs and slips off the bed, giggling at his groans and complaint of her leaving. “Have a dress for tomorrow.”

“Ooh,” Harry hums, following her into the bathroom and leaning against the wall, admiring away she mills about the space, gathering her toiletries and pyjamas for the night. “Haven’t seen you in a dress before.”

“Only on special occasions.”

“Love that you consider me a special occasion,” he says, walking towards her as she turns the water on in the porcelain bath, testing the temperature with her fingers. He wraps his arms around her waist, kissing the sweet spot at the nape of her neck, smirking against her skin as she shivers. “What are you doing?”

“Need a bath, I’m sticky.” Her words spew out without thinking and her eyes roll as soon as she feels Harry’s smirk against her skin. “Harry, don’t you dare say something.”

“Didn’t say a word, doll.” He kisses her shoulder, releasing her from his grasp and walking to the shower, the water sputtering against the glass. “Want to take a shower with me? Warm in there.”

“Having you as a distraction in there? No thank you.”

“And you think I won’t distract you in the bathtub,” Harry scoffs, shaking his head and clicking his tongue, walking to the tub and turning off the faucet, taking her hand in his and smirking as she reluctantly walks with him. “Think very highly of me, love.”

“Hope to have a minute of peace, in here, that’s all,” Amelie moans, her eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks as he kisses her cheek, patting her bum to get into the shower.

“Not gon’a happen,” he chuckles, shutting the door as he steps inside. He smiles widely, taking in the way the water falls over her and her fringe clings to her forehead. They’ve not showered together before, only staying in the bathroom while the other bathed, and there was something intimate about the experience and the way Amelie trusts him enough to do so. “Did you have a nice flight, at least? Layover somewhere, I’m assuming,” he says, taking the shampoo and squirting the liquid into her hand.

“Mhm,” she hums, lathering her hair and soaking in the warmth around them. Harry is the first man she’s ever showered with, and the thought about how much she truly trusted him made her anxiety heighten. Begging her brain to quiet down, she asks the thoughts to leave her alone and have her enjoy the moment. “Slept everywhere I could.”

“Knowing you,” Harry winks, nudging Amelie’s hip and rinsing the soap smoothly, his eyes drifting across her body as her sponge coats her skin with bubbles, “that sounds about right.”

“Brought a bathing suit with me,” Amelie mutters, playfully pushing his chest to move under the water. “Only go to the beach a few times a year so you better take your opportunity to see me in a swimsuit and run with it.”

“Happily.” He kisses her cheek, stepping out of the shower and wrapping a towel around his waist, grabbing a new one for her from the stack near the sink. He admires her as she wraps the cotton around her figure, her hair clinging to her skin, her face slightly flushed from the heat. He tugs her into a hug, smiling as she wraps her arms around him. He’s learnt that she loves the unexpected hugs, the affection that is genuine and means something to the other person. His nose smells her hair, the scent that he could only describe as her lingering in the air. “Ooh, you smell good.”

“Compliment central, over here,” she smirks, kissing his shoulder and squeezing his hips. Amelie presses her lips to his cheeks to compensate for the lack of touch, his lips pouting as she shuffles into the bedroom to grab the sweatshirt and panties from her knapsack, her towel strung around her hair to dry.

“Can’t help a crush, love,” Harry says, yanking a pair of sweatpants up his legs, the waistband low on his hips and displaying the ferns that she loved to trace. “Huge one at that, doll.”

“Hm,” Amelie hums, taking her hairbrush out and beginning to comb through the ends. “You’re staring.”

“Le’ me brush your hair,” he says, coaxing the brush and nodding towards the mattress with messy sheets and a duvet. They couldn’t be bothered to make a mess beneath the comforter, too caught up in the moment. He smiles at her, taking in the way she situates herself between his thighs as he centres himself on the bed. “I’ll be gentle.”

“Okay,” she agrees, tilting her head back and smiling, her heart swelling in her chest as he gently kisses her lips, her nose, her forehead. “Hi.”

“Hi, love.” Harry turns on the television, delicately combing through her wet hair and soaking in the simplicity and intimacy of the moment. He never envisioned himself the kind to desire the moments like these, the ones that were simply him and the one he adores – loves – taking in the silence around them. “You look beautiful.”

“Currently in pyjamas,” Amelie says, shocked in the way that Harry could be so easily impressed by the simplest of things.

“Okay, and,” he says, setting the hairbrush on the bedside table and running his fingers through her hair, smirking as he notices her closed eyes and parted lips. He kisses her cheek, his thumb drawing a line along her jaw. “Don’t nod off when ’m talking to you, you cheeky thing. You’re gon’a kill m’ego."

Amelie squeezes his knee, barely opening her eyes to meet his stare. The way Harry looks at her makes her want to melt. No one has ever looked at her like that. “Your voice is soothing; I like listening to you.”

“Can read to you if you wanted,” Harry offers, moving his arm to have her manoeuvre onto her side, her hair tucked into the hood of the sweatshirt as she shares his pillow. Amelie isn’t a fan of cuddling at night, especially when she’s feeling far away, but she never strays too far. “’m halfway through your book.”

“Are you? How are you feeling about it?” she wonders curiously, her voice quieting as she begins to drift to sleep. “Careful, this is my favourite book you’re about to bash.”

“Like it,” Harry assures her. “Quite fitting with your fucked-up romance theme you go for.” He chuckles quietly as her chest heaves with heavy breaths. ���Are you going to fall asleep while I read to you?”

“Most likely,” Amelie murmurs, taking his hand and squeezing it, kissing his palm sweetly before letting go, her hands tucking under her cheek as she snuggles beneath the duvet. “Goodnight, baby.”

“Night, love.”

Harry opens the novel besides the bed, the cracked spine folding beneath his fingertips. He opens to the bookmarked page, smiling as a highlighted quote catches his eye.

“And then she kisses me. It's the kind of kiss that makes me lose track of everything, and so it may take hours or minutes by the time we break apart.”

~

Harry admires the waves crashing ashore, the sun shining brightly in the sky, the golden hue tanning their skin as they lay peacefully and privately on their towels. He found the perfect spot – so he believes – away from the suspecting and invading eye, secluded and private to allow them to simply be alone. Amelie lays beside him, her sunglasses tucked on her nose, her cheek resting on her forearms as she stares at him, taking in the olive tone and tinted tattoos.

“Could you put more sunscreen on me, baby?” Amelie questions, handing him the bottle and smiling as the top clicks open.

“Mhm,” Harry hums, squirting the cream in his hands and beginning to rub it into her skin. His hands go beneath the band, his fingers searching for a clasp to unhook. “Can’t unclasp the top, love.”

“Not meant to,” she smirks, shaking her head and clicking her tongue disapprovingly as his bottom lip juts into a pout. “Know you, Styles. Knew what you were going to do.”

“I am insulted, love.” His voice feigns his innocence, the glimmer in his clearly displaying his true intentions. “How dare you think so lowly of me!”

“Mhm,” Amelie muses, playfully smacking his thigh as his hands travel closer to her bum. “Hands above the waist in public.”

“Have to ruin our makeshift Valentine’s Day, huh.”

“You got laid two hours ago! How am I ruining Valentine’s Day?”

“Wan’a see your boobies,” Harry mutters, gently tugging at the edge of the bathing suit, his lips tucked together to stifle the laughter.

“Harry, boobies, really?” Amelie groans, nudging his hand away from her chest, rotating her head slightly to stare at him. “Are you thirteen?”

“Find that saying, ‘wan’a see your tits’ is quite crude to your girlfriend, so,” he muses, smacking her bum playfully as he stands on his feet, his toes tucked in the sand, his hair shaking out on her freshly coated skin. “Okay, I’m going for a swim. Have fun without me.”

“You’re unbearable,” she grumbles, trying to hide her smirk through a bitten lip, her heart sinking as he begins to walk away. “Wait.”

“Hm,” Harry hums, turning around and walking back to her, leaning down to meet her.

“Kiss?”

“Always,” he smiles, kissing her lightly, her strawberry chapstick lingering on his skin.

She admires him as he treads into the water, the clarity of the water exhibiting the tattoos that marked his skin, the way his eyes reflected through the sun. Her forehead lines with sweat, her body begging to have the relief of the cool water around her. She hesitates though, the idea of showing her body so freely intimidating and making her question her apparel choice. Harry looks perfect in the infamous yellow trunks, the colour bright on his skin and simply great on him.

Her eyes couldn’t leave him.

“Come in here, Ames,” Harry calls, his eyes travelling around the area to make sure attention wasn’t called on them. He didn’t want her to be intimidated by a crowd and the rumours and headlines that were bound to come about. He lowers his voice, his words only travelling to where she could hear. “Water is so lovely.”

“Fine, fine,” Amelie concedes, standing up and beginning to walk towards the water, shaking her head and hiding her face in her hands as he whistles. He would never whistle at a woman; however, it was apparent that her confidence was weary. He would do anything to make her feel like the most confident woman. “Ames, hm.”

“Ames,” he says confidently, taking her hand and bringing her to him, her arms wrapping around his shoulders, his hands holding her waist tightly. “You like it?”

“Never had a nickname before,” she mentions, pursing her lips as she traces through her memories and searching for anything that her family or friends might have called her beyond her name. “Only nicknames m’family has given me are honeybee and chéri.”

“Honeybee for the flowers, right?” Harry asks this for confirmation, the way he pays attention to every detail Amelie tells him, butterflies swirling in her belly at the thought. “And the other.”

“Chéri means honey or darling,” Amelie tells him, her accent rhythmic as the words roll off her tongue. “Mom likes using names like that.”

“Cute,” he smiles, kissing her cheek and hugging her tighter to his chest, waves lightly crashing into their backs, barely reaching his hips. “Happy you’re here, doll.”

“Me too.”

Harry presses his lips to Amelie’s, smiling as her arms hug tighter around his shoulders. He is grateful for the privacy, wanting to show her that she deserves to have someone that loves on her around anyone. He is nervous though, he would have to admit; media can be absolutely brutal, and the last thing he would want is to have someone hurt her through a lousy magazine or social media posting. He cherishes the kiss, the easiest affection. He could kiss her for hours.

“You seem to really love it here,” Amelie says, kissing his cheek, her legs quickly moving to her chest as a jellyfish moves past them. Harry gently grabs her thighs, trying to coax her into circling around him completely. “Harry.”

“Hm,” Harry sighs, his thumbs gently rubbing her skin as he awaits her answer – although he is sure he already knows.

“Don’t.” Her voice is quiet as she shakes her in disapproval, her eyes scanning beneath them for the fish, her legs slowly slinking towards the sand. “’m too heavy.”

“Says who?” he wonders, his voice slightly exasperated and confused. He is angry, frustrated with whoever would tell her such a thing, make her believe that there is something about her that would make her not fit enough for affection. “Doll, who said that? They’re wrong.”

“I –” Her voice cracks and Harry knows exactly who’s done this. He would do anything to have a talk with Jack, to really get inside the boy’s head and see how anyone could treat another human this way, especially one that deserves nothing but love.

“Hey, you don’t need to think about that with me.”

Let me love you, please.

“Harry, I’m trusting you,” Amelie breathes, taking a deep breath and releasing the tension in her muscles, allowing Harry to coax her thighs around his waist, his arms tucked under her bum and holding her to him. He kisses her cheek a smile on his lips as she begins to relax.

“Appreciate that more than you know,” Harry says, his lips delicate on her skin. “I’ve got you. Always do.”

In that very moment, Amelie chooses to believe him.

~

Amelie paces around the bedroom, her suitcase strewn across the lounger, her outfit for the evening set out neatly on the made bed. Her anxiety is echoing in her brain, her heart pounding heavily against her ribcage, her jaw tense as she stares at the multiple ignored calls with her sister. Harry is partially undressed, getting ready to shower, leaning uselessly on the mattress. He absolutely hates seeing her this way. He would love to take the stress and negative thoughts away.

He sighs, walking over to her and gently grabbing her shoulders, his hands cupping her cheeks and making her meet his stare, his lips touching her forehead to calm her. “Don’t worry, love,” Harry says softly, trying his best to calm her. “Aren’t Phoebe’s friends coming to the show, tomorrow? Maybe they’re all talking.”

“Guess so,” Amelie sighs, leaning into his chest, his arms embracing her. He taps her spine lightly, nodding to the vibrating phone set on the dresser behind them. “Maybe that’s her.”

“I’ll leave you to it.”

Quickly taking her phone, she sighs heavily, sliding her thumb across the screen and waiting to have the video connect to speak. “Hey, Phoebe.”

Hi, Phoebe, Harry whispers, nodding towards the shower and walking into the bathroom, quietly shutting the door behind him and turning on the vent, the water sputtering on and hitting the tiles.

“Hey,” Phoebe murmurs, her lips pursed together, her cheek leaning against her fist.

“Are you alright? You’ve been avoiding my calls,” Amelie says, her voice barely above a whisper, the anxiety beginning to overwhelm her.

Phoebe found out. Phoebe found out and now she’s mad at you. You’re the worst sister. She’s going to hate you.

“You’re there, in Melbourne,” Phoebe sighs, blinking slowly and taking a deep breath, trying to gather all of her thoughts and emotions. Phoebe wasn’t mad at Amelie. How could she be? Her sister fell in love, that was obvious. Having a relationship, after everything, is what she deserved. Her lying about it, that’s what upset her. “Valentine’s Day is tomorrow.”

“Not sure what you’re getting at.”

“At dinner, on Sunday, you said you were seeing someone.” Her voice is flat, lacking all emotion, her eyes a bare blue, lacking their shine and glimmer that light everyone’s day. That breaks Amelie’s heart. “It’s Harry. You’re seeing Harry Styles.”

“Phoebe,” Amelie begins, quickly quieting as Phoebe opens her mouth to speak. Her intention was to listen, to not upset her any further.

“Don’t lie to me.”

“Wanted to tell you, I did,” Amelie says honestly, tears prickling her eyes as she takes in the hurt on her sister’s face. “How did you find out?”

“Cassie is a barista at the café on the private beach,” Phoebe sighs, running her fingers through her hair and shaking her head. “Could see Harry a mile away with those yellow trunks. On the way out, she wanted to see if he was still there, maybe she could say hello or something. There Harry was, standing over a girl, shaking his wet hair out, laughing. Cass took a picture and sent it to me. Whoever she is, Harry looks really happy, is what she told me.”

“Cassie posted it,” Amelie chokes, her anxiety rushing with thoughts that spring tears in her eyes.

Oh my god, everyone is going to find out. Everyone is going to find out and the bullying, the harassing, everything is going to start before you and Harry could even make it to two months together.

“Of course not,” Phoebe assures her, her heart breaking as soon as Amelie begins breathing heavier. “As soon as Cassie texted me the photo, everything made more sense. Mama showed me the picture you sent her of the beach, the hotel. All of it looked the same as the pictures people posted online. Knew it then. I told her that she could not post it.”

“Oh,” Amelie breathes, the sweat on her forehead beginning to dry.

“Hurts me that you didn’t tell me, Amelie. You’re my sister, my best friend. We tell each other everything,” Phoebe sighs,

“Phoebe, I.” Amelie has nothing to say.

“Are you happy?”

Amelie goes absolutely silent, pursing her lips together and lightly nodding her head. Harry steps into the room, a shy smile on his lips as he nods, telling her everything without a word.

“Are you happy? Are you and Harry happy?” Phoebe repeats, desperate to emphasise her meaning. Her sister deserves to be happy, whether she believes so or not. Phoebe could never be upset with her for that.

“I am,” Amelie smiles, genuinely smiling, taking a deep breath. Her honesty surprises her, the way the words are so easy to say shocking her. Happiness, like this, hasn’t been something she believed she could have. “For the first time, I am.”

“Then, I’ll be okay. You and I, we’re okay. I’m not upset.” Phoebe sucks in a breath, budding her courage in her chest. Phoebe never expected this to happen. “Put Harry on the phone.”

“Huh?”

“Tu m'avez entendu, Amelie.”

Harry’s eyes widen at the statement. He gulps, taking a deep breath and walking towards Amelie, nodding approvingly and settling on the bed beside her.

“Um, Phoebe wants to talk to you,” Amelie mutters, giving him the phone and nodding towards the bathroom. “’m gon’a go take a shower.” Grabbing her towel and nervously treading into the en-suite, she shuts the door slightly, barely enough space to hear.

Harry clears his throat, taking a deep breath before beginning. He can see that Phoebe is shaking. “Know that you’re mad at us, and I’m sorry.”

“Not mad,” Phoebe says nervously, her thoughts jumbled and trying to comprehend who is speaking to her on the screen. Never would she have thought that this would be the way she would him. “Just a little upset.”

“Understand if you are mad, because Amelie and I made the decision not to tell anyone, and that included you,” he sighs, scratching his neck nervously. “’m sorry you had to find out by someone else, but you should know that you not speaking to her is making her really upset.”

“Has Amelie gone in the shower yet?”

“Mhm,” Harry nods, unsure where the conversation is heading, accepting it, nonetheless.

“Do you know about Jack?” Phoebe murmurs, her voice growing quieter to ensure that Amelie wouldn’t hear. Upsetting her about him is not what she wants to be doing.

“Unfortunately, yes,” Harry mutters, desperately trying to not become angry. Hearing his name makes Harry furious.

“Amelie thinks I don’t know, and I don’t remember what happened, but I do, and I don’t ever want to see her that upset, that bad, again, okay?”

“Of course.” Harry smiles softly, admiring the way she so openly cares about her sister.

“Know you’re you and all, but that’s my sister. You can’t hurt her, okay?” Her voice is laced desperately, the concern evident in her eyes. Harry would never dream of hurting her, and he has to make sure she knows.

“Phoebe, I promise you, I won’t.”

Amelie’s eyebrows furrow together in confusion as Harry says that, her towel tucked around her hair and her body clothed in simply her panties and lace bra that he loves. Harry pats the bed, encouraging her to come closer to him.

“Not a bribe, but ‘m gon’a need you to tell me the shows you have tickets to,” Harry says, smiling as Amelie settles in the open space that he’s made for her.

“Um, San Diego and Santa Clara,” she stutters, her fingers shaking over her mouth as he hands her sister his phone and she typed in the dates for him.

“Alright. Talk soon,” Harry smirks, squeezing his girlfriend’s thigh and setting her phone in her hand, kissing her cheek, his body moving away from the mattress and taking his phone into the bathroom to busy himself until the call is over.

“Phoebe,” Amelie teases, mouthing a quiet, thank you, as Harry tosses headphones to her to talk, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Don’t be mad.”

“Ugh,” Phoebe sighs, knuckling her eyes and taking a heavy breath. “I’m not mad. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. Amelie, you deserve to be happy, even though you think you don’t.”

“Love you, Phoebe.”

“Love you, too,” Phoebe says quietly, turning her light off and settling under her comforter, her eyes beginning to close. “Don’t fuck this up for me, Amelie. Don’t fuck this up for you, either.”

“I’ll try not to, Pheebs, I’ll try.”

~

Harry reserved the most secluded section on the beach. Quiet waves crashing against the sand, twinkling lights around the posts, blankets and stray towels accompanying their picnic to lay on the cushion of the cabana, the sand slightly damp beneath their feet. Amelie can make out the chatter of the crowds in the distance, the sidewalk much too far for them to be seen.

“Like this,” Amelie smiles shyly, taking a bite of her sandwich and taking a swig from the wine settled between herself and Harry. “Quiet and very us. Nothing flashy and extravagant. That’s something I always wanted, y’know – to be happy, simply me and the other person.”

Harry presses a chaste kiss to her lips, his thumb and forefinger holding her chin, nosing her jaw with a kiss and squeezing her hand.

“Harry.”

“Hm.”

“Do you think that the stars align a certain way to make things happen? Don’t know, like, the universe wants something good to happen to someone, so the stars and the planets and moon move a certain way to make it happen,” she wonders, laying her sandwich down and leaning back on her hands, her head turned over her shoulder to look at her boyfriend, his body resting peacefully on the blanket, his head tucked on a folded towel.

“Jovian-Plutonian Effect,” Harry smirks, his eyes shining beneath the moonlight. “Think you’re mine if that counts for anything.”

“One thing I was thinking about the other day –” she begins, her eyes narrowing as his voice cracks to interrupt.

“You think about a lot of things.”

Amelie lightly smacks Harry’s arm, his laughter airy and making her heart swell against her ribcage. Her love for him is growing every day, and there is one moment every so often that makes her want to mutter the words that she swore she would never say to a man, ever again, the words that would break her heart eventually.

But you do love him, Amelie’s heart incessantly reminds her. That is something that happened. You fell in love.

“You and I,” she whispers, trailing her attention from the crashing waves to the moon lingering above them, the light casting above their illuminating skin, “whenever we’re apart, we’re staring at the same moon. It sounds stupid, I know, but there’s something comforting about that. You,” she hesitates, frightened by the words falling so easily from her lips, “you’re one of my closest friends. Don’t know, it’s just nice never feeling that far away.”

“Nothing you say is stupid. Don’t say that,” Harry sterns, gently poking her thigh to have her attention. “Only a phone call away if you need me, love,” he murmurs, taking her hand in his and kissing her knuckles. “Always looking at the same moon.”

“Know that I’ve only known you a month, but I’m proud of you. Not many people would have the courage to go on stage the way you do, travel so many weeks and months away, work the way you do. I admire you, Harry. There are so many people that you inspire, every day. I’m one of them.”

“Gon’a be honest, it’s hard sometimes, and it’s one of the only things that are truly hard. Missing m’family, you. Hope that you’ll come and join tour eventually, see what it’s like. ‘s my dream. ‘s like when your work is in an exhibit, y’know, the one place where everything makes sense. All the adrenaline and the screaming and everyone singing back to you. Nothing like it,” Harry rambles, moving the covered wine aside and kissing your knee sweetly. “Happy to make you proud, doll. You inspire me.”

“Hate being this, soft,” Amelie giggles, squeezing his hand and gently nudging their hands into his thigh. “Not very like us. Usually, you’re bothering me.”

“Don’t like sharing your emotions, I get that,” he sighs, turning over and laying his head on her thigh, smiling softly as she cards her fingers through his hair, scratching his scalp lightly. “Know that going through all that you did made you feel this way, and I’m sorry that it happened, but I want you to know that you can share things with me.”

Her eyes sting with tears, her lips pouting as Harry wipes a stray from her cheek. “Hate that Phoebe was mad at me. Honestly, it makes my stomach hurt. Didn’t want to hurt her by hiding this, us, you know? I just didn’t know how to tell her. Hard to really understand this all sometimes,” Amelie pauses, trying to find the proper wording to express herself.

Expressing yourself is hard enough on a good day.

“C’mere, baby,” Harry sighs, situating on the blanket and opening his arms, smiling as her body settles on his thighs, her arms tucked around his shoulders, his lips touching light kisses on her shoulder. He barely makes out her mumbled apology, his head moving away from her shoulder to stare. “Amelie, why are you apologising to me? You’ve done nothing wrong.”

“Crying into you because of my anxiety on a Valentine’s Day date,” Amelie laughs wetly, tears staining her cheeks, her eyes glossy as she stares into his, his thumbs drying her skin. “Hate me.”

Harry’s heart twists in his chest. He absolutely hates that Amelie feels this way. He isn’t quite sure what anxiety entails, the details and intricacies, but knowing that all of her thoughts and emotions are so deeply impacted by it hurts him. He would do anything to take it all away. “Don’t say that.” He nearly wants to mutter the three words they’ve been waiting to say. He hesitates, taking a moment to gather his thoughts back. “All I want is fo’ you to feel okay. You have me, I’m here.”

“Harry Styles.”

Her voice is airy, her hands clasped together around his neck, fingertips twirling the curls at the nape, her thumb tracing the cut of his jaw softly. Her mouth sponges kisses on his cheek, her breath hitching in her throat as his mouth steals her lips, his kiss gentle and lingering on her skin.

Harry knows that Amelie won’t verbally say more, yet the way her arms are tight around his shoulders, her mouth is rhythmic with his, their kiss taking their breath away, his hands squeezing around her torso to have her melt impossibly closer to him, tells him everything. Harry knows that Amelie trusts him, that eventually everything would be said.

All that was needed was time. Harry didn’t mind waiting.

His fingertips work at the buttons on her the dress – floral printed, naturally, his mouth kissing her shoulder as he nudges the jacket away from her torso. His mouth grew dry at the way her breasts accentuated the cut; the straps are sewn with thicker material for support beginning to slip off her shoulders. Her giggles echo in his ear, making his stomach swirl with butterflies and his heart beat so loudly he swears she could hear it.

“Quite possibly the worst idea you’ve ever had, Mr Styles,” Amelie smirks, manoeuvring her body beneath his and tugging the dress away, Harry’s shirt tossed somewhere near the basket, a sheet pulled over their bodies to hide them away, the cabana’s curtains tugged closed, the moonlight peeking through the slight cracks. “Don’t get us caught.”

“Don’t be loud,” Harry chuckles, his teeth nipping her bottom lip, her eyes rolling at his comment. “May or may not have a crush on you.”

“Considering you say that quite a bit, I think you do.” Her mouth moulds against his perfectly, a giggle leaving her lips as he fumbles to work his jeans down his thighs. “That’s what you get for wearing jeans.”

“Quit teasing me.”

“Make it so easy for me, though.”

“Quite lucky the way you flirt with me is endearing, Ames,” Harry teases, laying his jeans along with their clothes and straddling her waist, one knee tucked between her thighs, his forearms around her splayed hair.

“Call this flirting? Oh, this is nothing.”

Harry laughs, shaking his head and laying his lips on hers, soaking in the way she tastes faintly of wine and the swollenness of her flesh, her fingers lacing through his, squeezing his hand for comfort. He adores this, the way he can feel her calming. Harry savours the moment, the way their skin is clammy against each other and her thighs are wrapped around his waist, the way his heart is heavy in his chest because everything feels right.

Harry and Amelie couldn’t have pointed out the planets or the stars or the constellations underneath their makeshift blanket, their attention too obsessive with each other and the way they feel.

Although, Harry could have sworn that this is what it felt like to have Jupiter and Pluto align.

[melbourneeasyguide]

Wall Mirrors in Melbourne

Get a full view of your OOTDs with a full length standing mirror hung on the wall. These mirrors have sleek, classic silhouette and stylish frames for a better visual appeal. There is an ever increasing need for full length wall mirrors regardless of their size and design. They are now being utilized for various purposes, such as beauty and functionality.

Some people love mirrors; they love having their own personal reflection to make them look great. In the recent years, interior decorators have discovered the true benefits of wall mirrors. It is important to note that the latest trends in interior design now consider mirrors as important elements of a home decoration. As a matter of fact, many homeowners want to put mirrors on their walls to improve the overall appearance of their rooms. Indeed, these mirrors have become some of the most popular decorating accessories for today.

In terms of style and design, there are a lot of wonderful options to choose from. Depending on your personal taste, you can go for a full-length mirror or you can choose between compact and decorative wall mirrors. For a more functional approach, you can use a mirror that is placed above your dresser or your medicine cabinet. You can also hang mirrors in your bathroom to make it look more beautiful. In this case, you can get a mirror with a curved shape, a decorative frame, or an arched design.

When choosing full-length wall mirrors Melbourne, it is crucial to hang the mirror on the wall in a way that it will not get accidentally knocked over. As a matter of fact, the position of the mirror must be carefully planned out in order to avoid this problem. To solve this problem, you can position the mirror on a sturdy surface such as your ceiling before you hang it properly. However, if you want your mirror to be situated at a height where it is difficult to reach, you can simply use a mirror rod. It is recommended that you use a rod at least 18 inches in length because it will ensure that your mirror does not get knocked down.

While using full-length wall mirrors Melbourne, you can improve the appearance of your bathroom by painting the frame. Of course, in order to achieve a stylish and stunning appearance, it is important to select a frame that perfectly complements the wall hangings. Moreover, it is also crucial to buy frames made from tempered materials so that they won't shatter if they are accidentally dropped on the floor. Aside from that, if you want to add personality to your bathroom, you can paint the frame in your favorite color. Furthermore, you can frame mirrors in Victorian style and add additional accessories like rugs and floral prints.

There are many different shapes and sizes of wall mirror Melbourne that you can choose from. If you want a frame that is less noticeable and one that is more elegant, you can get ones in the shape of hour glasses. Meanwhile, if you want to get one that has a bold and striking appearance, there are also those that have thick frames and those that have unique geometric shapes. In fact, if you want to have something that represents your personality, you can use a frame with your favorite color. The possibilities are endless. No matter what style or theme you want to apply to your bathroom, you will surely find one that perfectly fits your requirements.

Click here

[murphyrendering]

How to Apply Venetian Plastering

The classic look of Venetian plastering can create a dazzlingly glossy, marble-like finish to walls in your home. It’s a popular choice amongst interior designers who love the polished look of the material. If you are excited to see the eye-widening results, you need to employ reputable Venetian Plastering Melbourne.

The crystalline effect of the plaster also makes it highly durable and resistant to wear, especially in areas where high humidity is present. It can withstand abrasion and impact, while repelling mould and mildew and making it an ideal choice for any area in your home where you want to add an elegant touch of elegance and sophistication.

It is also environmentally friendly, containing natural materials that help improve the air quality in your home. Lime plaster is known to absorb CO2, which means that it reduces the amount of pollution your house produces and helps protect you against diseases like respiratory problems.

To ensure that your plastered walls last, it’s important to maintain them properly. This means that you need to clean the surface regularly and apply an appropriate sealant. It’s also a good idea to use a brush to wipe away dust and dirt from the surface after every few weeks.

If you don’t have a professional installer on hand to help you, it’s a good idea to take a course in the art of Venetian plastering, to get a more hands-on approach to this craft and learn about all the different aspects involved in applying the finish correctly. This will allow you to become a specialist in this timeless decorative technique and ensure that your finished work looks beautiful for years to come!

Using a trowel, apply the first coat of venetian plaster evenly to the wall and ceiling. Leave the wall to dry for at least six hours. This will give the surface time to set before applying a second layer.

Then, smooth the wall with a spatula and sand it lightly to remove any bumps. Once the wall is smooth, apply a third coat of venetian plaster. Once this coat is dry, burnish it with a trowel to provide the final layer of polish. You can also use a thin layer of wax to add an additional layer of protection to the surface and make it easier to keep clean.

Marmorino is an Italian type of plaster that is widely used to decorate walls, both inside and outside. It is made with lime putty (calcium hydroxide, Ca (OH)2) and can be dyed in many different colors to achieve a variety of textures.

It is a type of plaster that has been around for centuries and is still highly popular. It is very durable, breathable and comes in many different colors.

This type of plaster is very easy to install, although it is best to hire a professional to do the job for you. This will save you the trouble of having to go out and purchase the supplies yourself, as well as a lot of money in the long run!

Before you begin applying the finish, it’s a good idea to prepare the surface by removing any hangings or fixtures and filling any holes in the wall with spackling paste. This will allow you to have a clean and smooth surface, and will prevent paint from chipping or flaking off. If you’re not using a professional applicator to do the job for you, it’s a good idea for you to lay down tarps on the floor in your work area to keep it from being damaged by paint splatter.

[things2mustdo]

Face it, the mainstream media is not only full of contradictions, but deep-seated, institutionalized biases. When a male or conservative does something, it is often considered horrendous. Yet when a female, liberal or a member of another “special” group does the same thing, passes are given or journalists’ eyes are averted.

Social media users with common sense political opinions have already started to compile these glaring double standards. Return Of Kings and its supporters should continue doing the same thing.

So here are five of the most egregious recent examples of hypocritical mainstream media madness:

1. Use of dead veterans’ families at political rallies or conventions

When Khizr and Ghazala Khan appeared at the Democratic National Convention to lambaste Donald Trump for his views on Muslim immigration and supposed behavior, commentators and journalists went wild with fanfare. Their son Humayun, a Muslim soldier, had died in Iraq. Trump was attacked for allegedly grandstanding about and minimizing Humayun’s death.

Meanwhile, many of these same newsmen and women, including Rachel Maddow’s stooge Steve Benen, derided the Republicans for featuring Pat Smith, mother of Benghazi fatality Sean Smith, as a speaker at their own Convention. Mrs. Smith had laid into Hillary Clinton over the latter’s role in and perceived indifference to her son’s death in Libya. So one family became heroes to the media for going public after their tragic loss, while another was portrayed as so weak in their grief that they were manipulated by big, bad Republicans into talking.

Moreover, Trump had nothing to do with Sean Smith’s death. Compare this to Clinton, who was the Secretary of State at the time of the American deaths at Benghazi and whose State Department had received numerous calls for assistance. Considering that Sean Smith and others died alongside U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens, the first American ambassador to be killed whilst serving since 1979, the woefully insufficient security precautions taken by the Obama Administration and Secretary Clinton should not have transpired. But this spotlight on Clinton does not make for good (liberal) news.

2. Psychiatric records for a war hero vs. medical records of a pathological liar

Countless liberals, both in the media and within other leftist cabals like mainstream Hollywood, have attacked those questioning Hillary Clinton’s health as “misogynists,” “sexists” and other undesirables. When these tags are unable to be used, leftists claim that even piecemeal doubts about her physical condition are nothing but conspiracy theories on par with Roswell UFOs and lizard people running the world.

Yet eight years ago, these same people were frothing at the bit to out John McCain for his supposedly poor health. Most perversely of all, they homed in on his decorated military service, suggesting he had Presidentially disqualifying mental health conditions from his service in the Vietnam War and the multiple years he spent as a prisoner-of-war. “Where are his psychiatric records?” bellowed one piece from Salon, in addition to a number of other articles that more than hinted at the same topic.

Whilst I, like many of you, revile his putrid, watered-down “Republican” policies on many issues, McCain had gargantuan balls in Vietnam. Here is a man who spent more time as a tortured prisoner-of-war, including a stay in the notorious Hanoi Hilton, than Barack Obama spent in the US Senate. As the son of the commander of US forces in Vietnam, McCain received numerous offers of repatriation from the North Vietnamese. He refused and would only accept being returned home once fellow American soldiers captured before him were released. By contrast, Hillary lacks the mental fortitude to tell the truth most of the time, not even after she’s had seizures, coughing fits, and dramatic collapses on camera!

3. Sexualizing political candidates (and removing their genitals)

When an artist by the name of Lushsux painted a mural of a scantily-clad Hillary Clinton, a local Melbourne, Australia council and numerous global commentators derided it as “misogyny” and “sexual objectification.” “Take female politicians seriously!” was the crux of their shrill arguments against the rendering. Lushsux then trolled his critics by repainting the mural so Hillary was dressed in an Islamic burqa. Soon after, multiple statues of a nude and testicle-less Donald Trump appeared in American cities. Unlike the Hillary artwork, the proliferation created huge fanfare and delight amongst both prominent leftists and run-of-the-mill liberal voters. Why is one act so offensive and the other so funny, particularly in age where body-shaming and mocking someone’s appearance is meant to be so taboo?

Most of the critical commentaries about the Trump statues that appeared in the mainstream media, of which there were few, failed to take into account one glaring significance of the testicle-less Trump. Short of them being violently taken or hacked off, how exactly could Trump have no balls? Imagine the furore if a statue, mural or other representation of Hillary Clinton had lacked breasts or shown her vagina circumcised/mutilated. “They’re condoning violence against women!” would be the stock-standard answer from liberals and their even more deranged SJW cousins.

4. Lesbian’s Olympic marriage proposal vs. heterosexual male’s Olympic marriage proposal

This is bad and misogynistic:

This is love and should be applauded:

Leftists rejoiced when Olympic official Marjorie Enya asked her partner, rugby sevens player Isadora Cerullo, to marry her using a microphone. Love wins, right, especially when it’s gay love? But when Chinese athlete Qin Kai asked silver medalist He Zi to marry him, the knives from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) came out. The BBC, unfortunately taxpayer-funded, published an article insinuating that Qin Kai was attempting to control He Zi with the very public marriage proposal. Not only could it be control, it could be awfully pernicious “male control.” Coverage of Enya’s proposal to Cerullo, however, got the broadcaster’s tick of approval.

If either of the two proposals is a form of control or narcissistic, it was the lesbian one. Unlike the Chinese diver, who was competing individually, the lesbian proposed to was part of the Brazilian team, which had not even been awarded a medal. Brazil had come ninth and that night Australia had beaten New Zealand for the gold medal. He Zi may not have won the gold medal, but she had actually participated in the final. But do not let facts get in the way of a good male-bashing.

5. Objectifying men vs. objectifying women

Cosmopolitan has established itself as a dual enabler of both ditzy female airheads and SJW political freaks. Over time, the magazine has come out strongly against countless normal displays of male sexuality, admonishing men who appreciate female breasts and buttocks for being “horrible.” Of the many Cosmopolitan pieces to take this line, an article in mid-2014 takes the cake for its ridiculous shaming of harmless, healthy behaviors. Ironically, though, covers for this publication feature the same sorts of thin, healthy women that men desire most in the first place.

Fast-forward a mere two years and Cosmopolitan went to the extraordinary effort of cataloguing 36 men whose crotch bulges tickled their fancy. Of course, numerous other articles during that time had objectified men in a way considered misogynistic when males do it to women, but the timing was amusing. After so much talk of valuing female athletes, whose physical accomplishments are far less than men, for their work and not their bodies, Cosmopolitan celebrated the years of sacrifice of male athletes by effectively taking photos of their barely clothed genitalia.

We could keep on going

Many other hypocritical pieces were penned about these situations, not just the ones I have referenced. Then there’s the great number of other articles we could assess and critique on separate issues. You may be convinced, and rightfully so, that the mainstream media is inherently biased. But we need to take this to the next level and disseminate the proof to wider audiences.

Journalists and commentators will continue their bad habits, that much is clear. What matters now is fighting back. Complaining about double standards only goes so far. Exposing them in an organized fashion stands a better much chance in helping us to arrest and then reverse this institutional bias.

As Return Of Kings readers, you are our extra eyes and ears. If you find more examples of extreme leftist media bias, bring it to our attention.

https://www.returnofkings.com/19995/anti-female-stem-bias-a-bayesian-explanation

The New York Times recently ran a long piece exploring the history of women in STEM fields and attempting to explain the ever-present difference between men and women in performance and participation in these fields. The article begins by citing research on perceptions of female aptitude in math and science:

“Researchers at Yale published a study proving that physicists, chemists and biologists are likely to view a young male scientist more favorably than a woman with the same qualifications. Presented with identical summaries of the accomplishments of two imaginary applicants, professors at six major research institutions were significantly more willing to offer the man a job. “

She shares an anecdote that is supposed to display the prejudice of professors against females in the field, but instead illustrates one valid reason for the bias displayed by the Yale study:

“Other women chimed in to say that their teachers were the ones who teased them the most. In one physics class, the teacher announced that the boys would be graded on the “boy curve,” while the one girl would be graded on the “girl curve”; when asked why, the teacher explained that he couldn’t reasonably expect a girl to compete in physics on equal terms with boys.”

Enter Bayes’ Theorem

Bayes’s theorem is a foundational principle of statistics and probability that allows us to update our estimations about the trueness of a fact based on new evidence. The math of Bayes’ theorem is simple and elegant, and the overarching idea is powerful — we can use evidence in a formalized manner to change the probability that something may be true, and this can often have non-intuitive results.

The classic example of Bayes in action is medical tests — for example, if 1% of women have breast cancer, and a mammogram detects the cancer 80% of the time with a 10% false positive rate, what is the probability that a positive result means the woman has cancer? If a mammogram is positive, the chance of cancer is less than 8% due to the presence of false positives, as well as the low baseline population rate of cancer.

What does this have to do with women and STEM fields? Readers of this site are familiar with the allure that even a plain looking girl can have at the height of her availability and youth. This isn’t just a factor when getting free drinks at the bar – it extends to the classroom, hiring for jobs, treatment in everyday life, and many other areas. Girls in primary and secondary school are judged to be better students, despite boys showing a significant advantage in standardized tests starting around middle school. The article highlights the ways that women are supposedly discouraged by the system, but makes no mention of the advantages they enjoy.

Put simply, women are more likely to be handed accomplishments without having to work for them, both due to the power of their sexuality and as unconscious overcorrection for their supposed disadvantages in opportunity. Given an applicant with a certain pedigree – a Ph.D, say, from a top graduate program —we will have a certain estimation of that person’s intelligence and aptitude. However, the “false positive” rate on those qualifications identifying extremely high aptitude is likely to be much lower for a man, who has not enjoyed the advantages of a feminized education system, catch-up programs, and the hint of his sexuality influencing the evaluations of his superiors.

The bias against hiring a woman whose qualifications are equal to a man, and their subsequent lower salary offer, is simply a use of Bayesian inference. It accounts for the implicit probability that the female will not be as good as her résumé suggests, to say nothing of the chance that she will leave her job to begin a family and leave her employer empty-handed at some point in the future. If, as the example above states, both men and women implicitly behave as if men are superior in math and science, we must give some consideration that this is a possibility.

If Men Are Better At Math/Science — What’s The Big Deal?

The media is encouraged to sing the praises of women where they excel compared to men, and females indeed show demonstrated advantages in many cognitive areas. They are better at language acquisition, picking up on non-verbal cues, and we are all familiar with their evolved capacity for psychological manipulation. Many would suggest that women have better organizational skills. They are incarcerated for violent crimes less often, are less prone to risky behavior, and are more resilient to psychological trauma such as PTSD.

But when it comes to exploring why men have long-demonstrated advantages in certain disciplines, the media scrabbles to ascribe the boogeyman of injustice perpetrated on the protected class. The article is quick to dismiss the repeatable and longitudinal difference between males in females in standardized testing, a long-standing form of evaluation that every college and grad school uses to give out valuable admissions spots. It also does not mention the lack of female representation in technology entrepreneurship, a field that is less dependent on credentials and more on individual drive, creativity, and aptitude.

It could certainly be true that women are discriminated against AND that they are simply less common at the far right of the aptitude bell curve necessary for competitive positions in academia. But I challenge you to find this idea entertained in any mainstream publication despite the mountains of circumstantial evidence. Larry Summers was tarred and feathered for even mentioning research on population dynamics as a potential driver of this difference. The lesson here is that, when you begin an “inquiry” by presupposing the conclusion, you will end up with a politically correct and eminently intellectually dishonest worldview.

Read More: The Anti-Male Commercial